Absorbent Headband Device for Bathing

ABSTRACT

A moisture absorbent headband device is provided comprising a highly absorbent inner layer and a fabric outer shell layer. The absorbent inner layer is adapted to absorb moisture while the outer shell layer comprises a water permeable material that forms a continuous, closed loop structure having an enclosed interior volume supporting the absorbent inner layer therein. The outer shell layer is an elastic material adapted to be worn around the head of a wearer, generally a young child, whereby the inner layer absorbs water and soap in contact therewith to prevent the same from entering the wearer&#39;s face and eyes. The inner layer is a substantially rectangular cuboid shape having a thickness, length, and height, whereby the length thereof is adapted to extend sufficiently around the closed loop of the outer shell layer such that the inner layer rests above the ears and across the wearer&#39;s forehead when donned.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/078,953, filed on Apr. 2, 2011 and entitled “Absorbent Headband Device.” The above identified patent applications are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an absorbent headband for protecting the wearer's eyes, nose, ears and mouth from shampoo, conditioner, soap and other potentially harmful or irritating products encountered while taking a bath or shower. Specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent, elastic structure supporting a highly absorbent material over the forehead of a wearer and above the wearer's ears such that the device absorbs moisture and soap, while providing a simple construction for ease of production.

Showering is a daily ritual for many and requires the use of a plurality of personal hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and facial cleanser among others. Such personal hygiene products are often made of chemical compounds and contain one or more ingredients which are potentially harmful or irritating to the eyes, and hazardous if ingested. These products pose only a minimal risk to adults, who are aware of the need to keep the substances out of their eyes, nose, ears and mouth, and can take steps to prevent such occurrences. Children present a more difficult challenge because of their lack of familiarity with the risks associated with eye contact or ingestion of personal hygiene products.

Children have a tendency to hold their eyes and mouths open while in the shower, and often use their hands to wipe haphazardly at their faces when bathing. This creates potential for products used on their hair and face to drip into their eyes, nose and mouth, and then be spread around by a child seeking to wipe his or her face. The present invention is contemplated has a headband device that provides a barrier between a child's face and their hair, whereby soapy water is absorbed by the headband device and prevented from falling into the eyes of the child while bathing. The present invention comprises an elongated outer shell layer forming a closed loop design with an enclosed interior volume. The interior volume supports an elongated absorbent inner layer comprising a material that readily absorbs moisture upon contact. The inner layer extends across the brow of the wearer and is supported by the tension in the outer shell layer and via the ends of the inner layer, which perch above the ears of the wearer. This construction further prevents water from entering the ears of the child, whereby water and soap are absorbed thereby, through the moisture permeable outer shell layer and into the inner absorbent layer.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to headband devices. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to sweat bands for athletic use, and medical bandages that cover open wounds and other head injuries. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Kim, U.S. Pat. No. 5,175,887 discloses as sweatband device worn on the forehead and comprising a resilient inner layer and an absorbent outer layer. The device is held to the head by pressure near the ears. Lange, U.S. Pat. No. 4,523,091 discloses a device worn on the head for preventing damage to the skin during a hair dye treatment. It is comprised of a flat, heat insulating absorbent material that wraps around the entire hairline. McConville, U.S. patent discloses a device worn on the head for absorbing perspiration, consisting of an elastic band with sponge material attached in sections along the length of the device. Altman, U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,171 discloses an absorbent pad apparatus to be worn on the face for the purposes of protecting the forehead and face during hair dye treatment. The pad is made of an absorbent material and is held to the wearer's head by adhesive or ear hooks such as those used in goggles. Vernon, U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,390 discloses a headband device worn on the forehead which comprises a flexible, resilient core, two absorbent layers and a cloth layer in between.

Another device in the prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,488 to Ashinoff, which discloses a forehead shock guard comprising a stretch material band that supports an internal member consisting of a foam plastic padding adapted to absorb impacts in the area of the forehead to provide localized protection and to prevent re-injury to previously sustained forehead trauma. The internal member is preferably a pliable or hand-shapeable aluminum article of manufacture, with a size within the material band that corresponds to the average size and shape forehead. The internal member has an aluminum strip adhesively secured to a foam plastic padding. The goal of the Ashinoff device is to absorb impacts and prevent injury by covering the forehead of a wearer with a crushable padded member, the padded member having a shell under layer.

By contrast, the present invention contemplates a headband device to absorb soapy water while showering. The device comprises a tubular outer shell layer that has a water permeable construction and a water absorbent inner layer. The outer shell layer is preferably a polyester/spandex blend that allows water to penetrate therethrough and a shape that stretches to accommodate the wearer's head. The absorbent inner layer is adapted to for rapid moisture absorption rather than energy absorption, wherein this layer is preferably a water absorbing cellulose sponge material. Furthermore, the inner layer of the present invention is adapted to extend beyond the extents of the wearer's forehead such that its ends are placed above the wearer's ears while donned. While the construction of the two headbands appears similar, their function, their structure, and their purpose diverge significantly.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,360 to Fleitman, which discloses a sweatband device having an elongated length, a stretchable construction, and an internal water absorber retained therein. The ends of the device are secured along the backside of the wearer's head using a pair of fasteners, while the band is placed over the forehead of the wearer. The device is capable of transmitting water to its internal absorber, wherein the shape of the device simulates a rolled bandana with tapering end portions. While the Fleitman device provides a means of absorbing water, its purpose is to wick sweat from the brow of a wearer, as opposed to absorbing large quantities of soapy water from the hair of a wearer in a bathtub or shower.

The present invention includes an outer shell layer that forms an enclosed, tubular band supporting an elongated and thickened absorbent inner layer. The inner layer is elongated to extend from ear to ear and over the forehead of a wearer, but further includes a generous cross sectional thickness such that the body of the inner layer extends outward from the forehead of the wearer. Along with the moisture absorbing qualities of the inner layer material, its thickness represents a physical barrier against water and soap in the wearer's hair, which is of primary concern to the present invention. The present invention therefore absorbs soapy water while also forming a dam over the eyes of the wearer to block running water from entering the facial region. While the Fleitman device contemplates an absorbent inner layer, its application is in an environment in which sweat develops on the brow of the user (e.g. during sporting activities and the like), wherein the volume of liquid to be trapped is far less than in bathing situations contemplated herein. One skilled in the art of athletic equipment would not contemplate the large, absorbing headband of the present invention, which is more readily adapted to absorb large quantities of water and soap in a bathtub or shower environment. Moreover, the structure of the present invention diverges from that of the Fleitman device, which utilizes fasteners to secure the ends thereof around the wearer's head.

The prior art contains a variety of devices worn on the head for absorbing moisture of different sorts. These devices have familiar design and structural elements for the purposes of moisture absorption; however they are not adapted for the task of absorption in a moisture-rich environment such as a shower or bath. Specifically, the devices disclosed by the prior art do not address the high moisture absorbing capacity needed in bathing and showering environments. The present invention relates to a device worn on the forehead and above the ears of a wearer for the purposes of absorbing water, soap, and other bathing products so they do not enter the eyes, nose, ears and mouth of the user.

It is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to the existing headband devices for moisture absorption. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of moisture absorption headbands now present in the prior art, the present invention provides device with a new, higher degree of moisture absorption wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when showering or bathing. The headband device contains an inner layer in the form of a flexible, elongated and thickened band having a continuous, closed loop construction forming an enclosed and tubular interior volume. The inner layer includes a rectangular cuboid shape with an elongated length to extend from ear to ear, and a thickness that extends outward from the wearer's forehead. The inner layer comprises a compressed cellulose sponge material that can expand significantly when absorbing water.

When the outer shell elastic means is used to attach the device to a user's head, the wearer can enter a shower or other high moisture environment and bathe according to the user's normal routine. The headband device prevents water, soap, and personal hygiene product from dripping down the forehead and into the face or ears.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved absorbent headband for bathing that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved absorbent headband for bathing that is has resilient and durable construction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent headband device for bathing that fits above a wearer's eyes (across the forehead) and is positionable above or over a wearer's ears, preventing soap and water from dripping into the facial region or into the wearer's ears.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved absorbent headband for bathing that has a thick, highly absorbent, inner layer capable of retaining large amounts of fluid in a high moisture environment.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved absorbent headband for bathing that attaches to the wearer's head by way of an elastic construction that ensures the device remains in place.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above invention will be better understood and the objects set forth above, as well as other objects not stated above, will become more apparent after a study of the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes use of the annexed drawings herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the moisture absorbing headband device, worn over the forehead of a user and over or above the wearer's ears.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional top view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an overhead view of the device and the relative size of the inner absorbent layer with respect to the circumference of the outer shell layer.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the absorbent headband device for bathing. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for preventing soap and water from entering the face and ears of a wearer while bathing or showering. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown the moisture absorbent headband device 10 according to the present invention situated across the forehead 11 of a wearer and over the ears thereof. As illustrated, the headband 10 is disposed in a working state, forming a physical dam and absorptive barrier between the wearer's hair 30 and the wearer's face. In the preferred embodiment the headband 10 comprises an outer shell layer 15 forming a continuous, closed loop structure having an enclosed interior volume. The outer shell layer 15 is comprised of a water permeable material, such that water and soap can freely enter the interior volume. Within the interior volume of the headband 10 is an absorbent inner layer that absorbs and retains the water permeating through the outer shell layer 15. The outer shell layer 15 forms a tubular cover that shrouds the absorbent inner layer, whereby the outer shell layer 15 is preferably elastic such that is can be snugly placed over the head of a wearer without additional fasteners or tightening members.

The absorbent inner layer comprises a water-absorbent material having the shape of an elongated, rectangular cuboid with a thickness, a length, and a height. The length is such that the inner layer extends within the tubular cross section of the outer shell layer 15 and consumes at least half of the circumference of the outer shell layer 15. This allows the inner layer to extend at least from ear to ear when the device is positioned over the forehead 11 of a wearer. The inner layer includes outer ends, whereby the ends are positioned over or above the ears of the wearer and its length accommodates such positioning when disposed across the forehead 11 of the wearer. The thickness of the inner layer is such that it extends outward from the wearer's forehead 11 to create a physical dam between the wearer's hair 30 and the wearer's forehead 11. The thickness blocks water from streaming into the wearer's face and allows the inner layer to absorb the water and soap dripping from the wearer's hair 30.

The outer shell layer 15 is preferably an elastic material adapted to be worn around the head of a wearer, generally a young child, whereby the absorbent inner layer absorbs water and soap in contact therewith to prevent the same from entering the wearer's face and eyes. The inner layer is a substantially rectangular cuboid shape having a thickness, length, and height, whereby the length thereof is adapted to extend sufficiently around the closed loop of the outer shell layer such that the inner layer rests above the ears and across the wearer's forehead when donned. Overall, the device forms a physical dam and an absorbing headband device that can be worn by young children while bathing or showering, whereby water and soap is prevented from freely streaming into the eyes 12, nose 13, and mouth 14 of the child.

When deployed, the headband 10 is positioned against the user's forehead 11 and is positioned over or above the wearer's ears to protect the eyes 12, nose, 13 ears, and mouth 14 from liquids and bathing products. The outer shell layer 15 is generally tubular in shape and is formed of a length of material fabric formed over itself and sewn together along a line of connection, whereafter the ends thereof are sewn together to form a continuous, tubular material having an enclosed interior volume within which to support the absorbent inner layer. The absorbent inner layer is placed onto the material fabric of the outer shell layer 15 when the outer shell layer material fabric is folded over itself and sewn closed along its edges. Prior to being sewn closed, the outer shell layer 15 is a substantially rectangular shape. In one embodiment, its contemplated size 16×4.5 inches. Once sewn closed, the absorbent inner layer is positioned therein and the elastic nature of the outer shell material causes the substantially rectangular cuboid shape of the absorbent inner layer to press flushly against the wearer's forehead when positioned thereagainst. The relatively flat surfaces of the outer shell layer and the absorbent inner layer allow flush contact with the user's head, preventing water from seeping under the headband while being worn. Finally, the material of the outer shell layer 15 may be patterned with a variety of different colors and prints to increase the device's aesthetic appeal.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a cross sectional top view of the headband device 10 and the interior construction thereof. The absorbent inner layer 16 is enclosed within the outer shell layer 15, whereby the outer shell layer 15 forms an enclosed interior volume 19 that is tubular in shape. The outer shell layer 15 is an elongated length of water permeable and elastic material that is formed into a closed loop, whereby its ends are sewn together to form a continuous headband device within an enclosed interior volume 19. The preferred material of the outer shell layer 15 is a fabric material being an 80%-83% polyester and 17%-20% spandex blend. This material elastically stretches and allows water to penetrate therethrough when in an stretched or relaxed state. However, material types and equivalent blends known to those skilled in the art are deemed acceptable substitutes for the preferred configuration, wherein commonly known materials may be substituted if providing an elastic, water permeable construction amenable to forming the desired shape of the outer shell layer 15.

As shown in the cross section, the absorbent inner layer 16 includes an elongated length that terminates at a first and second end 17. The inner layer 16 is adapted to be placed over the forehead of the wearer, while the backside 20 of the outer shell layer 15 is wrapped around the back of the wearer's head to retain the headband assembly 10 in position. The length of the inner layer 16 is such that it consumes at least half of the circumference of the wearer's head and at least half of the length of the outer shell layer 15. There inner layer 16 therefore consumes at least half of the interior volume 19 of the outer shell layer 15. The interior 25 of the headband 10 is open to accept the head of the wearer, wherein the interior surface 18 of the headband 10 rests flush against the user's head while worn.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an overhead view of the present invention is shown in conjunction with broken lines representing the anatomical features of a wearer's head relative to the present invention, and a center line 40 placed across the assembly to separate the front and rear halves thereof. As shown, the absorbent inner layer 15 forms a substantial U-shape when donned and viewed from above. The inner layer 15 includes a substantially uniform in thickness and height across its length, wherein its ends 17 are disposed at the center line 40 or rearward thereof such that the ears 50 of the wearer are covered or positioned therebelow. This allows the headband to be supported by the ears 50 or positioned thereover to prevent water from entering the ear of the wearer. Rearward of the ends 17 is backside 20 of the outer shell layer, wherein the outer shell layer 15 is elastic and stretched over the circumference of the wearer's head when worn. It is contemplated that different sizes of the headband can be provided and sold, whereby the elasticity of each headband allows each size to accommodate a range of head shapes and sizes.

In the preferred embodiment of the absorbent inner layer 15, the length thereof is such that it extends from an area covering one ear of the user, across the forehead, and to an area covering the opposite ear. Therefore, the length of the inner layer is at least one-half of the circumference of the outer shell layer 15 such that it can extend from ear-to-ear and over the wearer's forehead. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, inner layer 16 has a length of approximately two-thirds the circumference of the outer shell layer 15.The elastic material of the outer shell layer 15 and the inherent flexibility of the absorbent inner layer allows the assembly to be easily placed and retained on the wearer while showering or bathing.

A number of highly absorbent, compressible and elastic materials are contemplated for construction of the inner layer. The preferred embodiment is a compressed cellulose sponge material. This material expands and becomes soft and pliable when wet, and retains water upon contact. Water is received through the outer shell layer and is absorbed by the compressed cellulose sponge material, which expands. After the bath or shower, the compressed cellulose sponge material can be compressed to release the retained water prior to its reuse. This material is known in the art and its construction is well understood. The present invention contemplates a unique assembly wherein a sponge material is positioned over the forehead and ears of a wearer to absorb water and soap, particularly for use with young children in bathing environments.

The outer shell layer 15 is rectangular in shape prior to being sewn closed and is formed such that it is a closed structure thereafter, shrouding the absorbent inner layer 16 within. In an alternate embodiment, the fabric shell layer 15 provides an opening on one end 17 so that the absorbent inner layer 16 can be inserted or removed. This opening allows the user to discard and replace the absorbent layer 16 with a new one upon determination that hygiene concerns warrant such replacement. The preferred embodiment does not provide a replaceable option, rather a disposable assembly that can be washed or discarded after extended use. The outer shell layer 15 may consist of any stretchable, water permeable fabric material known to one skilled in the art, including nylon, Lycra, Poly-Lycra. The preferred structure is disclosed above as a polyester-spandex blend.

As shown in FIG. 4, the present invention forms a circumferential headband device adapted to be positioned around the wearer's head. The absorbent inner layer is disposed within the frontside 22 of the headband, wherein the frontside 22 is adapted to be positioned over the forehead of the wearer. The backside 20 of the present invention comprises the rear section of the outer shell layer 15 not supporting the absorbent inner layer. This portion 20 is positioned over the rear of the wearer's head, whereby the entire assembly is stretched and the wearer's head is received through the open interior 25 of the headband.

Also shown in FIG. 4 is the contemplated length of the absorbent inner layer, wherein its ends 17 are disposed along the back half of the assembly. Furthermore, the lengthwise 21 and vertical 26 sewn lines of connection are shown. The lengthwise line of connection 21 extends along the headband interior surface, whereby this line of connection joins the long side of the outer shell layer material when folded over the absorbent inner layer. The vertical line of connection 26 extends vertically along the backside 20 of the assembly, whereby this line of connection 26 is the sewn connection of the ends of the outer shell layer material when joined to form the closed loop of the assembly.

In use an individual places the moisture absorbent headband device over the wearer's forehead and over or above the wearer's ears. The headband device is secured against the wearer's forehead by the elastic nature of the headband, which stretches and is compressed against the circumference of the wearer's head. The assembly can then be used in high moisture environments, such as a showering or bathing environments, to prevent soap, water, shampoo and other liquids from entering the eyes, nose, ears and mouth of the wearer. As previously disclosed, the preferred material comprises a compressed cellulose sponge absorbent inner layer and an outer shell layer fabric being an 80%-83% polyester and 17%-20% spandex blend.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A headband device adapted to be worn over the forehead and around the head of a wearer for protecting the face and ears of the wearer from water, shampoo and bathing products, comprising: an elastic outer shell layer having a continuous, closed loop and tubular construction with an enclosed interior volume; said closed loop having an open interior adapted to receive a wearer's head therethrough; said elastic outer shell layer comprising an elastic material; said elastic outer shell layer comprising a water permeable material; an absorbent inner layer disposed within said enclosed interior volume of said elastic outer shell layer; said absorbent inner layer comprising a sponge material that is adapted to absorb moisture upon contact therewith; said absorbent inner layer having a substantially rectangular cuboid shape with a length, a thickness, and a height; said absorbent inner layer having ends wherein said length thereof extends therebetween; said absorbent inner layer having a substantially rectangular cross-section throughout its length; said length of said absorbent inner layer extending at along at least half of said closed loop of said elastic outer shell layer, whereby said absorbent inner layer is adapted to extend from ear to ear and across a wearer's forehead. 2) The headband device of claim 1, wherein said absorbent inner layer has uniform thickness throughout its length. 3) The headband device of claim 1, wherein said elastic outer shell layer comprises a polyester-spandex material. 4) The headband device of claim 1, wherein said absorbent inner layer comprises a compressed cellulose sponge material. 5) The headband device of claim 1, wherein said absorbent inner layer extends two-thirds of said closed loop of said elastic outer shell layer. 6) The headband device of claim 1, wherein said continuous, closed loop and tubular construction of said elastic outer shell layer is formed from a rectangular material folded over said absorbent inner layer and sewn along its edges. 